Dr Haertsch has performed several hundred abdominal lipectomies using the Pitanguy approach and, whilst this is associated with a long scar just above the mons pubis, the scarring can generally be hidden.  More recently he has been involved in dealing with people who have had massive weight loss as the result of gastric banding, and has been doing body re-shaping, including reduction of the floppy arms, breast reduction, abdominal lipectomy and thigh lipectomies.

This latter surgery is of course much more complicated and associated with a much more rigorous pre-operative assessment and planning.

Both men and women often are dissatisfied with the shape and size of their tummies. Whilst most media attention has been directed towards liposuction to re-shape the abdomen, abdominoplasty or the "tummy tuck" operation remains the correct surgical solution for excess skin and weak muscles in the abdominal area. A procedure called an abdominal lipectomy also removes excess fat from the region, and some people who are thin and athletic but have a tummy which sticks out may just require a "mini-tuck". The procedure which is right for you will be decided at the time of consultation. Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and generally involves a 2-3 day stay in hospital. Depending on the extent of the procedure, surgery can take from 1- 5 hours.

There will be a scar from hip to hip and this will be shown and drawn on you. This scar generally falls below the 'swimwear' line. There will also be a scar around your umbilicus. It is advisable to take some time off work and you will need to wear a firm-fitting garment for around 6 weeks.